Post Doctorate Position in Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, USA

Designation/Position- Post Doctorate

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, USA offers Post Doctorate position in Multimodal imaging of emulsions using microfluidics topic. Eligible candidate having PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university can apply.

About- PNNL, which has been operated by Battelle(Offsite link) and its predecessors since our inception in 1965. For more than 50 years, we’ve advanced the frontiers of science and engineering in the service of our nation and the world. We make fundamental scientific discoveries that illuminate the mysteries of our planet and the universe. We apply our scientific expertise to tackle some of the most challenging problems in energy, the environment, and national security.

The candidate is expected to be capable of operating SIMS and SEM independently. He/she should be knowledgeable with microfluidics fabrication; experienced in microbiology or biology; knowledgeable with electrochemistry; able to analyze large data sets and prepare manuscripts reporting scientific findings; able to work with a team of scientists and engineers with different background; and knowledgeable with synchrotron x-ray spectroscopy techniques. Experience with x-ray absorption spectroscopy or other techniques is desirable but not required. Former experience in emulsion synthesis is also a plus. Previous knowledge and hands-on experience with microfabrication would be desirable. Past experience in droplet microfluidics device design and fabrication is attractive. The ability to use Matlab or Python to do data analysis is also desirable. Because of the interdisciplinary environment, the candidate must have demonstrated excellent communication skills as evidenced by publications in top-tier journals and presentations at professional conferences. Proactive and timely publication is an essential requirement for this position.

Job/Position Description- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is recruiting a postdoctoral scientist to conduct innovative research in in situ imaging of emulsions using advanced imaging mass spectrometry, electron microscopy, and a variety of spectroscopy techniques. This project aims to investigate emulsion formation, stabilization, and breaking using multiplexed chemical imaging and spectroscopy techniques. Specifically oil-in-water emulsions will be studied.

This research aims to investigate the fundamental physicochemical processes in the formation, stabilization, and breaking of shipboard relevant emulsions. In particular, the selected postdoctoral researcher will participate in the fabrication and testing of a new vacuum compatible microfluidic cell for in situ SEM and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) analysis. A number of bilgewater emulsion systems of relevance to DOD will be investigated. Of particular interests are microbial effects on bilgewater formation. Fundamental investigations of how the liquid-liquid interface evolves and modifies the emulsion properties in dynamic conditions are the main theme of this research. Hypothesis-driven experiments and analysis will be a key aspect of this project. Limited travel to conduct experiments in other DOE research facilities may be required. The postdoctoral scientist is expected to work with a team of scientists, conduct experiments, prepare manuscripts, publish research results in peer-reviewed journals, and present scientific findings in professional conferences.

How to Apply- To apply, please submit a cover letter describing the applicants’ research experience and interests, and a curriculum vitae with a list of publications in peer-reviewed journals. Writing samples and recommendation letters may be requested during the application process.